The Creative Isle’s CAN Market artisans open store at One Galle Face

• CAN Market success stories

As I made my way up the escalator to the second floor of OGF I was captivated by a myriad of colours and textures that commanded the attention of every passer-by. 

The striking display of cane chandeliers suspended from the ceiling caught my eye and drew me towards the newly opened 1,500 sq. foot store space of the Creative Isle’s Island Collection. 

Keshini Suraweera, the founder and CEO of The Creative Isle, shared how ‘The Creative Isle’ CAN Market initiative was a COVID-birthed project. The objective was to assist local artisans who had been severely affected by the global pandemic by establishing suitable platforms that would help sustain their livelihood.

The CAN weekend market was phase 1 and was launched in 2020. Phase 2 was to open a store that would make the products available for purchase throughout the week. 

The displays of authentic Sri Lankan artisan handiwork comprised of a delightful collection of home wear, fashion, handicrafts and creative food produce. 

I recognised that many items had been inspired by traditional artistic techniques. 

However, a unique twist, where the fusion of traditional and contemporary, made way for the original creations showcased. Utilising raw materials that were native to Sri Lanka there was a range of innovative items such as paddy wine, jackfruit bites and cookies, aloe vera based beauty products, homeware and a range of exquisite items made out of recycled waste. 

Chatting to some of the small business owners who happened to be at the store, it became apparent that each one had a story to tell. Each story was distinctly personal. However, they all communicated elements of a journey comprising of hardships experienced, a determination to succeed and an unwavering perseverance to push through the many trials and obstacles encountered. 

Each story was inspiring and enlightening.

It gave me a greater appreciation for the carefully sculptured cooking clay pots, intricately designed beerulu lace, and stacks of multi coloured palmyra baskets, that were displayed around us. I was truly impressed by the attention given to quality and detail.

At the time I visited the store, I noticed quite a few tourists were crowding around one particular display. They appeared to be intrigued by the items made by Earthbound creations. Of course, this peaked my interest and I became curious about the story behind the brand. Sagara Ranga Liyanage, Managing Director of Earthbound Creations was kind enough to spend some time with me and share a story of how one man’s trash became this man’s treasure.

In 2006 Sagara Ranga started to create greeting cards from old newspapers. This journey began as a hobby, sprouted from an observation that the environment was being negatively impacted by waste that was not being disposed of correctly. During those early years of his career as a photographer, he would see piles of garbage layering the streets of Kandy. His concern for the environment and his desire to create a means for his family to escape the trap of poverty led Sagara Ranga down a path that would one day turn one man’s trash into treasure that would play a part in transforming his community. 

Today Earthbound Creations helps a vast community of over 300 local families.  Sagara Ranga shared how the diverse range of finished products is made from a variety of trash, including discarded newspapers, glass bottles and bits of old sari material. He said that he can use anything he finds on the streets, be it broken glass or stones to mould into different household items. He recalled how he walked the streets of Kandy, storeowners rejecting his greeting cards and insisting that no one would buy them. That initial step could have discouraged him and made him to give up. However, he kept knocking on doors until he found one customer who appreciated his handmade greeting cards and saw the potential.

Over the years, the company has established a strong clientele both locally and internationally. His creative vision and perseverance paid off as his initial monthly income of Rs. 3,000 has multiplied. 

The success of Earthbound was abruptly stopped in its tracks when the global pandemic hit in 2020. 

All doors for export and local sales closed. The unnerving uncertainty of what would happen was dissolved by one phone call that introduced Sagara Ranga to the CAN weekend market. This door opened up the possibility of showcasing products to a demographic that had not been introduced to the beauty and creative genius that is Earthbound homeware creations. 

The collaboration between Earthbound Creations and CAN Market has enabled Sagara Ranga to press on with his ambition to share the message of sustainability and the need to reuse materials that would otherwise be discarded. 

Earthbound Creations is an example of how Sri Lanka has the potential to work towards developing solutions that are as environmentally aware and will create a better tomorrow for our future generations. 

I personally recommend you come visit Creative Isle’s – Island collection, on the second floor at One Galle Face. Explore and be inspired.